Be prepared for a train extravaganza as the La’al Ratty aims to put on a steam spectacular for its May Gala weekend.
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway has announced the return of the annual event, which will run from April 30 to May 2.
With the theme of Everything Goes! the railway has planned a packed weekend with all nine of its working steam and diesel locomotives out and about.
This includes the River Esk, which is set to celebrate a huge centenary milestone next year, plus the River Irt, which is the oldest working 15-inch gauge locomotive in the world.
The restored 125-year-old Katie will be featured, along with Les, a Lister diesel engine built in the 1960s, which will be out pulling passenger trains for the first time in more than 20 years!
The railway will also be welcoming special guest visitors including the traction engine Providence, which will be the star of the show.
Visitors can marvel at the exquisite vintage vehicles on display at Ravenglass, or step back in time at the free-to-enter Ravenglass Railway Museum, with fantastic displays, model trains and interactive features that celebrate 150 years of La’al Ratty.
It’s a great chance to visit the special exhibition on the recently restored Pullman Camping coaches, Elmira and Maid of Kent, including genuine Pullman objects on loan from the Pullman Society.
Stuart Ross, general manager visitor experience at Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway.
“Our annual gala is always a fantastic weekend for all, and we are delighted to see it’s return after the last few years of restrictions and disruptions.
“This year we have pulled out all the stops, and visitors are sure to be impressed as we have all nine of our working engines on show plus special guest appearances.”
“It’s a great chance for families and railway enthusiasts alike to relive the era of steam travel, while enjoying the beautiful vistas of Cumbria’s west coast and dramatic mountain ranges.”
Passengers can view the timetable and book tickets online for the 2022 May Gala Weekend.
